Harris Becker
Adjunct Professor of GuitarDirector, Guitar StudiesFounder & Director, Long Island Guitar Festival
B.A., M.A., Long Island University
harris.becker@liu.edu
Description
Harris Becker has had a rich and varied career as a guitarist and lutenist. He has always has had a strong interest in contemporary music. Among the composers who have dedicated works to him are Carlo Domeniconi, Hayley Savage, Raoul Pleskow, Howard Rovics, microtonal composer Johnny Reinhard, Alan Hirsh, Michael Frassetti, Joseph Russo and Richard Iacona.
Both as a soloist and chamber musician he has given concerts and master classes throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Mexico, Asia and Canada. In the fall of 2014 Mr. Becker gave concerts and master classes in Thailand and throughout Vietnam including at the U.S Consulate in Saigon.
In 1993 Mr. Becker founded the Long Island Guitar Festival, of which the New York Times wrote: "The "Long Island" in the festival title clearly refers to its location and origins, rather than to its scope" (2014). Harris Becker is Director of Guitar Studies at LIU Post and has been a faculty member at Nassau Community College, The Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and others. The Florida State Division of Cultural Affairs selected Mr. Becker to participate in Florida's Artist Residency Program, giving lecture/performances on the lute and baroque guitar. He recently received an award for outstanding service from the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Long Island University. Mr. Becker is also a member of the Artesian Guitar Quartet.
Harris Becker is co-founder and artistic director of the summer music festival in rural Quebec "Songe d'été en Musique. His recordings include "Catgut Flambo" with guitarist Pasquale Bianculli, a solo CD "Passing Through" and "The Artesian Guitar Quartet." His most recent release "reCollections" includes music by Schubert and first recordings of music by John Lessard, Noel Zahler and Michael Frassetti. His editions and publications are published by T.D. Ellis Music Publishing and Calavar Music.
"Becker's performance of this demanding work a depiction of one of Australia's national parks – is lyrical and imaginative"
– Raymond Tuttle, Classical.net
Website: harrisbecker.com
